'Career Criminal' Arrested In Claremont Car Battery Theft: Cops

CLAREMONT, CA – On Christmas afternoon, a Claremont Police Officer driving by a local nursery and noticed something amiss, the department reported.

A suspect, later identified as 37 year-old Hector Palanco, committing a burglary at Corey Nursery. Palanco was seen loading up vehicle batteries into a vehicle backed up to the chain link fence that surrounds the nursery.

The officer attempted to make contact with Palanco, who fled. A foot pursuit ensued. The officer, joined by a second CPD officer, caught the fleeing subject.

Investigators discovered that Palanco cut a hole in the chain link fence surrounding the nursery and had removed batteries from the vehicles on the property.

Palanco had loaded up 15 vehicle batteries before being spotted by the officer.

He was arrested and taken to CPD Jail where he was booked on charges of burglary and resisting
arrest, and held for bail/court.

During the booking, Palanco stated, “Thanks to Prop 47, this is only a misdemeanor. Cite me out.” Palanco is considered a “career criminal” for burglary and currently on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

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